For the last few years I have been teaching English to students of history, history of art and anthropology and, more occasionally, students of Polish philology and comparative studies in civilisations. First, I thought that teaching ESP to such diverse groups was hardly possible but with time I believe I have learnt to select materials to meet their various expectations. The aim of this article is twofold. In the theoretical part, I briefly characterise ESP (English for Specific Purposes) and its subdivision - EAP (English for Academic Purposes). I give their definitions, main assumptions and further subdivisions. I explain what kind of learners ESP and EAP courses are addressed to and I focus on their needs and motivation for learning English. I also include some practical advice on how to construct an ESP course and what kind of materials to use. In the practical part, I present a selection of extracts from a book entitled The Dirt on Clean. An Unsanitized History by Katherine Ashenburg, and I offer a lesson plan which students of various specialities can hopefully benefit from.